Another ally abandons Saudi Arabia - media

Syria has refused Saudi Arabia's request to send regular troops to fight the Houthis in Yemen, citing the need to rebuild its own army. This is the latest refusal after the United States, Turkey, and Egypt. The kingdom faces a growing threat from the Houthis amid a shortage of allies.

Syria has rejected a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to deploy regular troops to participate in combat operations against the Houthis in Yemen. Damascus explained the refusal by the need to rebuild its own army and address internal issues after a prolonged civil war. This decision marks another setback in Riyadh's efforts to form an international coalition to counter the Houthis. Earlier, the United States, Turkey, and Egypt had refused direct military involvement. However, Damascus's refusal does not signify a rupture in relations between the two countries. For Saudi Arabia, the situation is complicated by the ongoing confrontation with the Houthis, who pose a threat to the kingdom's southern borders and the security of maritime shipping in the Red Sea.